Sterling, VA Guitar Lessons

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

Experienced in playing many guitar styles, including rock, folk, classical, jazz, blues, etc.. Experienced in teaching guitar for over 30 years.
Studied Classical Guitar with John Marlow (AU) and Larry Schnitzler (GMU). Studied Jazz Guitar with Rick Whitehead (GMU) and Roger McKinley (Guitar Shop in DC). Recording experience on numerous albums or CD.

Learn how to play many styles of guitar, including Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country and Suzuki guitar. Through one on one instruction, students will learn scales, improvisation and solo phrasing, note reading, theory, chords and chord progressions. In addition, students will also learn how to play their favorite song/s, whether it be Led Zeppelin, Greenday, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis or Stevie Ray Vaughn. Through the useful tools on line and the many great music software programs that are now available, students will find learning a song to be very easy and enjoyable.!

I teach all levels of guitar in the areas of rock, blues and jazz, but I really focus more on the musical skills need to play guitar in any style. These include a thorough chord vocabulary, experience playing rhythm guitar, and a complete progressive study of scales and their use in improvisation (lead guitar) starting with pentatonic scales and progressing to major scales, different forms of minor scales and modes. All scales are learned in multiple positions and the student learns to perform with them in any key. In every lesson the student and I play exercises and study materials together to make actual music from the materials being studied.

Guitar lessons with me include an emphasis on rhythmic and harmonic training (how things sound and feel). Building a sense of melody and musicality are also a strong focus. This is accomplished through learning and playing familiar songs and through improvising and composing while building a relaxed and natural approach to the instrument.

For 23 yrs I’ve taught all levels and most guitar styles. My specialty is blues. Beginners can use my instructional book and begin playing songs from their 1st lesson! I focus on the musical styles my students like and create a curriculum customized for each one. Best of Bethesda Guitar Instructor 3 consecutive yrs. Maryland Blues Hall of Fame for my experience and talent as a professional performing bluesman. Most importantly, I believe that learning how to play guitar should be fun!

Chords and reading lines as well as technique and strumming patterns.

My guitar lessons are unique because I teach technical guitar skills by way of teaching classic guitar songs. Whether you are interested in learning Classic Rock, Spanish Guitar, or today's hits, you will take away not only a repertoire of your favorite songs, but the skills needed to sightread new songs on your own. For beginner students, we will work to identity songs that are both of interest to you and meet the needs to teach you pertinent skills. For intermediate to advanced students, we will work through songs you wish to learn while working through other genres to increase your musical exposure. Overall, my lessons are driven by your interests while subtlety incorporating the proper technical skills.

I teach on an individual basis as every student learns at a different pace. Each week is a structured lesson to help the student reach their individual goals. I have been teaching for 20 years privately and in the University academic world. I also work as a musician and artist. My background in pretty much all styles of music helps me access the students individual needs and desires for personal musical growth. I have helped students in every age bracket reach their musical goals. I HAVE A DEEP BACKGROUND IN JAZZ ROCK METAL SOUL R&B SOME COUNTRY, CLASSICAL, FINGER-STYLE BLUES AND OTHER NON TRADITIONAL FORMS OF GUITAR PLAYING.